Understanding Solar PhotoVoltaic Business

Introductory material includes a short overview of solar radiation, electricity consumption, and mainstream power generation platforms on a worldwide basis. It is intended to illustrate the need for solar electricity as a complimentary energy source in combination with other renewable and traditional sources. A brief history of the leading solar technologies follows, including c-Si, a-Si, CdTe, and CIGS. Thereafter, the positives and negatives of c-Si technologies are discussed in detail, including capital costs, operating costs (profit potential), cell efficiency, silicon supply, fabrication, OEM technologies, product certification, integration, and applications. Using the c-Si market segment as a baseline, the pros and cons of thin-film competing technologies are evaluated using the same/similar criteria. The next part of the course begins with a short review of the solar business, including market size and growth, market share by technology and geographic location, driving forces, leading fabricators, OEMs, integrators, and end users. International and domestic government incentives are discussed, with emphasis placed on U.S. Federal and State policies. The course concludes by estimating overall market growth with respect to policy/incentives, technology, technological improvements, new/competing technologies, industry consolidation, and applications.